UN envoy warns against early peacekeeper withdrawal from Central African Republic
The UN envoy to the Central African Republic urged the Security Council to preserve peacekeeping capabilities as regional conflict threatens fragile gains. At the October 20 debate, Britain called for a gradual transition tied to conditions on the ground. The Secretary-General recommends a one-year mandate extension, with the Council required to decide before mid-November.
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The Council considers the mission’s next mandate
Valentine Rugwabiza, the UN Secretary-General’s representative in the Central African Republic, urged the Security Council on October 20 to preserve adequate peacekeeping capabilities during a fragile consolidation period. At the same debate, Britain’s deputy political coordinator Jess Jambert-Gray called for a gradual transition tied to conditions on the ground, with steps ordered to protect civilians and stability.[1], [2]
The Secretary-General recommended extending the mission’s mandate for one year while retaining rapid-response capabilities. The Council must decide before mid-November. The mission has more than 12,000 personnel and has closed bases in some areas considered stable. Rugwabiza said initial assessments had found no major deterioration in security in those localities.[1]
Regional conflict complicates a gradual transition
Rugwabiza said Sudan’s war was contributing to violence in the country’s east and complicating plans for troop reductions. Britain also highlighted insecurity around the meeting point of the Central African Republic, Chad and Sudan. Jambert-Gray warned that growing regional conflict could reverse gains and called for stronger action on persistent border insecurity.[1], [2]
The British representative said more than 416,000 people were internally displaced and around two million faced food insecurity, making humanitarian access critical. The United Nations put the humanitarian plan’s funding at 46.6 percent at the beginning of October. The reported food-insecurity estimate covered April to August, when nearly two million people, or 31 percent of the population, faced acute insecurity.[1], [2]
National institutions and reintegration remain priorities
Britain called for accountable, inclusive national security institutions to assume more responsibility and for former fighters to receive reintegration opportunities. Since July 2025, 1,907 fighters have been disarmed and demobilised, according to the UN account, while economic reintegration remains difficult. By October 1, councils had been installed in 127 of 177 municipalities. Delayed remaining polls were scheduled for October 25 following financial and logistical problems.[1], [2]
Jambert-Gray welcomed progress in implementing the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation and developing national and local institutions after elections. She encouraged the government to continue security reforms with international and peacekeeping support.[2]
